This is a great exaggeration. If Mayweather's legacy solely depends on how he would have fare in a fight against Pacquiao, then his entire career and greatness as a fighter means absolutely nothing and no sensible person can make that claim, no matter how much they hate the man.

What's apparent is that Marquez's recent win over Pacquiao drastically enhances his own legacy. It's also obvious that what transpired Saturday night was not a good thing for Pacquiao. While it does not diminish the accomplishments Manny has garnered throughout his career, it did knock the Phillipino superstar off a pedestal he built for himself with an astonishing win streak. Marquez effectively ended this incredible run, that included his victories over Morales, Barrerea, Diaz, Hatton, Cotto, Clottey, Margarito and Mosley which were what gave Manny a false aura of invincibility. However, although definitely past his prime, I do believe Pacquiao looked great early in the MarquezIV fight and can still enhance his resume with a couple more W's, although he wouldn't be obligated.

As for Mayweather, I believe his W over Marquez now becomes one of his premiere victories as a fighter. Floyd is positively affected by Juan's KO in this way. I understand he put on a boxing clinic with JMM (with ring rust). But, if there is anything we learned from the fab four of the 80s, it's that triangle theories don't always work.

It also cannot go unnoticed that the mega fight that was sure to break all PPV records fell apart because a man not named Floyd Mayweather was brave and skilled enough to knock out the #2 p4p Manny Pacquiao. If a fighter's legacy includes his reputation, then this definitely hurts FM. Many Floyd fans see him as the main reason the fight we all wanted failed to come to fruition and history will not forget this travesty.

So, to sum it up. Good for Floyd's resume, not good for Pacquiao's, great for Marquez's, horrible for May's $100mil+ payday